Feuilles d'Érable Tartes Salées

Feuilles d'Érable Tartes Salées d'Automne captures the enchanting colors and flavors of fall in a savory tart inspired by the delicate shape of maple leaves. This French-inspired dish combines a flaky, buttery pastry base with a vibrant filling of roasted sweet potatoes and butternut squash, enhanced by the sweet depth of caramelized red onions drizzled with maple syrup. Creamy goat cheese and a hint of fresh thyme bring the perfect harmony to each bite, making it an ideal centerpiece for a cozy autumn meal.

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This tart not only brings warmth to your table but also showcases the beauty of seasonal ingredients. It celebrates classic French cooking techniques with a rustic yet refined approach, transforming humble root vegetables and simple dairy into a dish that feels both festive and comforting.

Ingredients

• Pastry
  • 250 g all-purpose flour
  • 125 g cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2–3 tbsp cold water
  • 1/2 tsp salt
• Filling
  • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
  • 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 100 g goat cheese, crumbled
  • 2 eggs
  • 150 ml crème fraîche
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Prepare the pastry:

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the cold butter and rub into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in the egg yolk and just enough cold water to form a dough. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 20 minutes.

3. Roast the vegetables:

Toss sweet potato and butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and tender. Reduce oven to 180°C (350°F).

4. Caramelize the onions:

In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté the red onion until soft and caramelized, about 10–12 minutes. Stir in maple syrup and cook 2 minutes more. Set aside.

5. Blind-bake the pastry:

Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface and line a tart pan (23 cm/9 in). Prick the base with a fork and blind-bake for 10 minutes.

6. Prepare the filling mixture:

In a bowl, whisk eggs, crème fraîche, thyme, salt, and pepper.

7. Assemble the tart:

Layer the roasted vegetables and caramelized onions in the tart shell. Sprinkle with goat cheese. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the filling.

8. Bake the tart:

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden.

9. Finish and serve:

Cool slightly before unmolding. Optionally, use a maple leaf cookie cutter to shape extra pastry decorations, bake, and place on top before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure a perfectly flaky crust, keep the butter cold and avoid overworking the dough. Roasting the vegetables until they are tender and caramelized adds a depth of flavor that complements the creamy filling beautifully. When caramelizing onions, be patient as this process is key to developing a rich, sweet undertone. For even baking, make sure to prick the pastry base before blind baking to prevent bubbling.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe can be adapted easily for different dietary preferences. For a vegan version, substitute the butter with plant-based alternatives, omit eggs, and use oat cream and vegan cheese. You can also experiment by adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted parsnips to the filling for extra earthiness and texture variation.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this tart warm or at room temperature alongside a fresh arugula salad tossed with walnuts to balance the richness. The elegant presentation with maple leaf-shaped pastry decorations adds a festive touch, making it perfect for autumn gatherings or holiday meals.

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This Feuilles d'Érable Tartes Salées d'Automne is more than just a dish: it’s a celebration of autumn’s bounty and the comforting flavors of French cuisine made accessible. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy meal at home, it promises to delight both the eyes and the palate with every golden, flaky bite.

Recipe FAQ Section

→ What vegetables are best for this tart?

Sweet potato and butternut squash offer a tender, naturally sweet base that pairs beautifully with caramelized onions.

→ How is the caramelized onion prepared?

Onions are slowly sautéed in butter until soft and golden, then glazed briefly with maple syrup to add depth and subtle sweetness.

→ Can I make the pastry ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pastry dough in advance, chill it thoroughly, and blind bake shortly before assembling the tart.

→ What alternatives are there to goat cheese in the filling?

Cream cheese, ricotta, or plant-based cheeses work well as substitutes without overpowering the other flavors.

→ How to adapt this tart for a vegan diet?

Replace butter with plant-based alternatives, omit eggs, and use oat cream and vegan cheese to maintain texture and flavor.